By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) of the Philippine Army based in Negros Occidental said they are currently verifying reports that several candidates in the province have allegedly received extortion letters from the New People’s Army (NPA).

Brigadier Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303IB, said reports have surfaced that political candidates have received letters from the NPA telling them to pay a “campaign fee” in order for them to hold political rallies, especially in far flung areas.

Pasaporte said they are still looking for evidence regarding the reports.

He believes that the NPAis sending feelers because their finances are weak and they are in great need for funding.

He also believes that there are only a handful of candidates who have received the said extortion letters.

Meanwhile, Pasaporte warned candidates not to give any form of aid to the NPA insurgents, otherwise they will be held criminally liable under the Anti-Terror Law.

As part of their preparations for the upcoming polls, the 303IB commander said they have further stepped up security operations so as to keep the elections peaceful./DGB, WDJ